The important treaty that ended World War I was the Treaty of Versailles, signed on June 28, 1919. This treaty officially ended hostilities between Germany and the Allied Powers and imposed significant territorial, military, and economic penalties on Germany. It aimed to ensure lasting peace, but many of its harsh conditions, such as reparations payments and territorial losses, contributed to economic distress and political instability in Germany. The treaty also redrew national boundaries, creating new countries and reshaping Europe. Although it sought to prevent future conflicts, the Treaty of Versailles is often criticized for laying the groundwork for World War II due to its punitive measures.